London in one day: a first-time walking route along the Thames

One day isn't much for a city the size of London, but it's enough for the famous sights if you follow the river. This route runs from Westminster to Tower Bridge, mostly on foot, and takes in the royal landmarks in the morning and the South Bank in the afternoon. It suits a first visit, a stopover or a day trip by train, and it works best if you're happy to walk 10–12 km.

If you have longer, our London in 3 days and London in 4 days itineraries spread these sights out and add the great museums, Kensington and Greenwich. This one-day plan is the concentrated version: the landmarks, in a single line along the Thames.

The route at a glance

• Morning: Westminster, St James's Park and Buckingham Palace.
• Late morning: the Mall, Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.
• Afternoon: across the river to the South Bank, then east past Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe.
• Late afternoon and evening: the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

Westminster

Start at Westminster, with the Houses of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower, home of the bell known as Big Ben. The best overall view is from Westminster Bridge or the far bank. Next door is Westminster Abbey, where monarchs have been crowned since 1066. It's a working church, so sightseeing hours are shorter on some days and it's closed to visitors on Sundays except for services. If you want to go inside, arrive near opening time and allow about 90 minutes.

St James's Park and Buckingham Palace

Walk through St James's Park, with its lake, pelicans and a view from the Blue Bridge towards the palace. At the far end is Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard takes place in the late morning on set days, not every day, so check the schedule before you go and arrive early for a spot at the railings. The palace's State Rooms open to visitors only for part of the summer.

Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery

Then follow the Mall, the broad avenue leading from the palace, through Admiralty Arch to Trafalgar Square, with Nelson's Column and its bronze lions. The National Gallery on the north side is free to enter. Rather than trying to see everything, pick a few masterpieces, such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers, and give it an hour. Covent Garden, a few minutes' walk away, is an easy place for lunch.

The South Bank

After lunch, cross the river to the South Bank, either on the Golden Jubilee footbridges from Embankment or back over Westminster Bridge. Walk east from the London Eye along the riverside path, past the Southbank Centre and the National Theatre, to Tate Modern, a former power station whose permanent collection is free. Next door is Shakespeare's Globe, a reconstruction of the open-air theatre of Shakespeare's day. The views of St Paul's and the City across the water continue all the way. If you're hungry again, Borough Market is just beyond, near London Bridge.

The Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Finish at the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The Tower is a medieval fortress with nearly a thousand years of history, home to the Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warders. It closes in the late afternoon, and last entry is earlier still, so if the Crown Jewels matter most to you, reverse the route: start at the Tower when it opens and end at Westminster. Either way, stay for the evening. Tower Bridge looks best lit up after dark, and the walk across it gives a fine view along the river.

What to book ahead

• Tower of London and Westminster Abbey: both sell timed tickets online, which is the easiest way to avoid long queues in busy months.
• London Eye: if you want to ride it, book a time slot. Sunset slots are the most popular.
• Changing of the Guard: there's nothing to book, but the schedule changes and the ceremony can be cancelled in bad weather or for state events.
• A show: if you're staying the night, West End theatres are a short walk from Trafalgar Square.

Check official sites for current opening days and hours before you set out.

Adapting the route

• Rain: spend longer in the National Gallery, or swap the South Bank walk for the British Museum, which is also free.
• With children: the Tower (with its armour and ravens) is usually the highlight. Skip the gallery in favour of more time in St James's Park.
• Slower pace: take a river bus from Westminster or Embankment to Tower Pier instead of walking the South Bank.
• Arriving by train: most main-line stations are a short Tube ride from Westminster or the Tower. Leave luggage at the station or your hotel.

Getting around and where to stay

Getting around is easy: tap a contactless bank card or phone on the Tube and buses, and your daily fares are capped automatically. Use the same card or device all day. Most of this route is walkable, and the Tube is there when your feet give out.

If you're staying overnight, Covent Garden, the South Bank or Westminster puts most of the route on your doorstep. Our guide to where to stay in London compares these and other areas. Many visitors to the UK now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before they travel, so check the current rules on the official government site before you go.

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Cover photo: Colin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons